Suspect charged in Lone Star College stabbing

Updated 9:27 am, Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Photo: Mayra Beltran

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Dylan Andrew Quick, the 20-year-old charged in the April 9 mass stabbing of 14 people at Lone Star College-Cy Fair, is denied bail in the 339th state District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Friday, May 10, 2013, in Houston. less

Dylan Andrew Quick, the 20-year-old charged in the April 9 mass stabbing of 14 people at Lone Star College-Cy Fair, is denied bail in the 339th state District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran

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Dylan Andrew Quick, the 20-year-old charged in the April 9 mass stabbing of 14 people at Lone Star College-Cy Fair, is denied bail in the 339th state District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Friday, May 10, 2013, in Houston. Quick told investigators he has been thinking about killing people with a blade since he was in elementary school. less

Dylan Andrew Quick, the 20-year-old charged in the April 9 mass stabbing of 14 people at Lone Star College-Cy Fair, is denied bail in the 339th state District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran

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Dylan Andrew Quick, the 20-year-old charged in the April 9 mass stabbing of 14 people at Lone Star College-Cy Fair, is denied bail in the 339th state District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Friday, May 10, 2013, in Houston. Quick, described as a shy loner by neighbors, has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault, accused of jabbing and slicing people with a "razor-type knife," the Harris County Sheriff's Office reported. less

Dylan Andrew Quick, the 20-year-old charged in the April 9 mass stabbing of 14 people at Lone Star College-Cy Fair, is denied bail in the 339th state District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran

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Dylan Andrew Quick, the 20-year-old charged in the April 9 mass stabbing of 14 people at Lone Star College-Cy Fair, is denied bail in the 339th state District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Friday, May 10, 2013, in Houston. Quick told investigators he has been thinking about killing people with a blade since he was in elementary school. Quick, described as a shy loner by neighbors, has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault, accused of jabbing and slicing people with a "razor-type knife," the Harris County Sheriff's Office reported. At least two people were critically wounded in the attack. The college student with bushy red hair and a goatee was arrested on campus by authorities shortly after the incident. He told investigators that "he has had fantasies of stabbing people to death since he was in elementary school" and that "he has been planning this incident for some time," a sheriff's office news release said. less

Dylan Andrew Quick, the 20-year-old charged in the April 9 mass stabbing of 14 people at Lone Star College-Cy Fair, is denied bail in the 339th state District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran

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Next to Dr. Audre Levy, president of Lone Star College-CyFair, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia addresses the media during a press conference about Dylan Andrew Quick, the Lone Star College student who is accused of injuring 14 people with a knife at the Harris County Jail Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in Houston. Garcia said that Quick told deputies that he had fantasized about killing people with a knife since he was a child and that he had planned out his knifing spree for some time. less

Next to Dr. Audre Levy, president of Lone Star College-CyFair, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia addresses the media during a press conference about Dylan Andrew Quick, the Lone Star College student who is ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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This booking photo released on April 10, 2013, by the Harris County Sheriff's Office in Houston, Texas, shows Dylan Quick, 20, a suspect in the stabbing of 14 people at the Lone Star College, north of Houston, on April 9. Four of the wounded were airlifted by helicopter to area hospitals, and two were reported in critical condition, according to local officials. less

This booking photo released on April 10, 2013, by the Harris County Sheriff's Office in Houston, Texas, shows Dylan Quick, 20, a suspect in the stabbing of 14 people at the Lone Star College, north of Houston, ... more

Photo: -, AFP/Getty Images

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Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia addresses the media during a press conference about Dylan Andrew Quick, the Lone Star College student who is accused of injuring 14 people with a knife at the Harris County Jail Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in Houston. less

Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia addresses the media during a press conference about Dylan Andrew Quick, the Lone Star College student who is accused of injuring 14 people with a knife at the Harris County ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Michelle Alvarez, 2nd from right, is looked over by her aunt Elena Tokarew, right. Alvarez is a student at Lone Star College's Cypress-Fairbanks campus and was one of the injured in the stabbing attack at the campus. Authorities are reporting least 15 people were hurt in a stabbing at the campus Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress. less

Michelle Alvarez, 2nd from right, is looked over by her aunt Elena Tokarew, right. Alvarez is a student at Lone Star College's Cypress-Fairbanks campus and was one of the injured in the stabbing attack at the ... more

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

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Dylan Quick, who is a suspect in the multiple stabbings on the Lone Star Cy-Fair Campus, is escorted by Harris County Sherrifs Office investigators after being questioned, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Houston.

Dylan Quick, who is a suspect in the multiple stabbings on the Lone Star Cy-Fair Campus, is escorted by Harris County Sherrifs Office investigators after being questioned, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Houston.

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Students run from the Lone Star College's Cypress-Fairbanks campus.

Students run from the Lone Star College's Cypress-Fairbanks campus.

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

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Life Flight crew members escort one of the at least 12 people who were stabbed by a person at Lone Star College Cy-Fair campus and were flown by Memorial Hermann Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Houston. less

Life Flight crew members escort one of the at least 12 people who were stabbed by a person at Lone Star College Cy-Fair campus and were flown by Memorial Hermann Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the ... more

A Life Flight crew member waits as two of the at least 12 people who were stabbed by a person at Lone Star College Cy-Fair campus are flown by Memorial Hermann Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. less

A Life Flight crew member waits as two of the at least 12 people who were stabbed by a person at Lone Star College Cy-Fair campus are flown by Memorial Hermann Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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A car with a "Dylan" license plate is parked in front of a home in the 16000 block of Jenikay Street, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Houston, where the possible suspect in a mass stabbing incident at Lone Star College's Cypress-Fairlbanks campus, Dylan Quick, was reported to have lived. less

A car with a "Dylan" license plate is parked in front of a home in the 16000 block of Jenikay Street, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Houston, where the possible suspect in a mass stabbing incident at Lone Star ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

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Michelle Alvarez, a student at Lone Star College's Cypress-Fairbanks campus, was one of the injured in the stabbing attack at the campus.

Michelle Alvarez, a student at Lone Star College's Cypress-Fairbanks campus, was one of the injured in the stabbing attack at the campus.

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

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A sign that reads "Deaf Child in area" on Jenikay Street, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Houston, where the possible suspect in a mass stabbing incident at Lone Star College's Cypress-Fairlbanks campus, Dylan Quick, was reported to have lived. less

A sign that reads "Deaf Child in area" on Jenikay Street, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Houston, where the possible suspect in a mass stabbing incident at Lone Star College's Cypress-Fairlbanks campus, Dylan ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

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Students wait to exit a parking lot as police search vehicles as they leave the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College after 14 people were wounded in a stabbing.

Students wait to exit a parking lot as police search vehicles as they leave the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College after 14 people were wounded in a stabbing.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

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Harris County Sheriffs Officers secure the outside of the Health Science Center in the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College where 14 people were wounded in a stabbing.

Harris County Sheriffs Officers secure the outside of the Health Science Center in the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College where 14 people were wounded in a stabbing.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

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"I am shocked someone would do this to innocent students" says Jessica Moffett, a nursing student who rendered aid to injured students she encountered after exiting the restroom inside the Health Science Center in the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College where 14 people were wounded in a stabbing on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress. less

"I am shocked someone would do this to innocent students" says Jessica Moffett, a nursing student who rendered aid to injured students she encountered after exiting the restroom inside the Health Science Center ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

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Students wait to leave outside the Health Science Center in the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College where 14 people were wounded in a stabbing on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress.

Students wait to leave outside the Health Science Center in the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College where 14 people were wounded in a stabbing on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

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Harris County Sheriffs Officers prepare to enter the Health Science Center in the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College where 14 people were wounded in a stabbing on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress.

Harris County Sheriffs Officers prepare to enter the Health Science Center in the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College where 14 people were wounded in a stabbing on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

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Harris County Sheriffs Officers organize outside the Health Science Center in the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College where 14 people were wounded in a stabbing on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress.

Harris County Sheriffs Officers organize outside the Health Science Center in the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College where 14 people were wounded in a stabbing on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress.

This photo provided by Michael Chalfan shows a man in custody after a series of stabbings at the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star Community College in Cypress, Texas, on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. The attack sent at least 12 people to area hospitals, including four who were taken by helicopter. A fire department spokesman says several others refused treatment at the scene. less

This photo provided by Michael Chalfan shows a man in custody after a series of stabbings at the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star Community College in Cypress, Texas, on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. The attack sent at ... more

Photo: Uncredited, Associated Press

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Just as recently as April 1, 2013, Lone Star College CyFair featured student Dylan Quick on their website.

Just as recently as April 1, 2013, Lone Star College CyFair featured student Dylan Quick on their website.

Photo: Http://www.lonestar.edu/cyfair.htm

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Cassie Foe hugs classmate Christian Wilson after they met up off campus from the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress where she witnessed one of male victims being stabbed.

Cassie Foe hugs classmate Christian Wilson after they met up off campus from the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress where she witnessed one of male victims being stabbed.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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Demond Lago talks off campus about see stabbing suspect in custody at the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress. Lago said he was in campus police custody for a trespassing offense before the stabbing event. He said he briefly spoke to the stabbing suspect while both where in a police holding area. Lago said he was released so police could fully handle the other situation. At least 15 people were injured and a suspect was in custody after a stabbing at the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College Tuesday morning. less

Demond Lago talks off campus about see stabbing suspect in custody at the Cy-Fair campus of Lone Star College Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Cypress. Lago said he was in campus police custody for a trespassing ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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Jennifer Ramirez, 21 a student at Lone Star College, talks about living across the street from the suspect in the mass stabbings on campus, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Houston. A student at Lone Star College's Cypress-Fairlbanks campus, Dylan Quick, was reported to have stabbed at least 14 people were a mass stabbing at the Cypress-Fairlbanks campus. less

Jennifer Ramirez, 21 a student at Lone Star College, talks about living across the street from the suspect in the mass stabbings on campus, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Houston. A student at Lone Star College's ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

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A law enforcement officer stands outside of Lone Star College where over a dozen people were injured in a stabbing incident, say officials. A suspect has been detained.

A law enforcement officer stands outside of Lone Star College where over a dozen people were injured in a stabbing incident, say officials. A suspect has been detained.

Photo: Melissa Phillip

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Suspect charged in Lone Star College stabbing

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UPDATE: The suspect, Dylan Quick, has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

ORIGINAL STORY:

No one knew what in the world was going on, least of all Ryan Ballard as he headed up the staircase of the Health Science building at the Cy-Fair branch of Lone Star College.

Late for his Tuesday morning biology class, Ballard didn't even notice the increasing commotion around him, the heightened chatter and raised voices. If anybody nearby even knew about the stabbings that had just taken place, which ultimately would total 14, they had not had time to spread the word.

But Ballard did notice the blood.

First a few drops - perhaps from a nosebleed? Then more blood a few steps higher. And then more, like a small puddle.

Ballard saw three women running down the stairs crying and screaming. And then more blood, as one of the students held her neck, a flowing red stain moving over her hand and down her chest.

"I was in shock," he said. "I had never seen something that bad."

Seconds later, he heard someone in the lobby of the building yell, "Stop that guy!" Though Ballard could not have known it at that moment, "that guy" had attacked not just the bleeding woman but more than a dozen students, inexplicably stabbing each with a small knife as he walked by before quickly moving on, almost unnoticed, to another.

For the second time in three months, a Lone Star campus was the scene of a sudden violent assault. No guns this time. The attacker walked down the hallways of a well-populated building, stabbing people at random.

Another group of students was running toward the man. One finally reached him near the parking lot, grabbing the assailant in a bear hug. Ballard, a former offensive lineman at Langham Creek High School, also closed in. That's when he noticed the attacker squirming to get his hand into his back pocket.

Instinctively, Ballard knocked both of them to the ground.

"I didn't want to wait until it was too late to make a move," he said, not realizing until later that there was more potential danger involved than he could have known. "I'm not going to lie. Now that I know what the man did, I realize he could have pulled a knife on me and I could have been just another statistic."

A former Lone Star student who also had been detained Tuesday morning by campus police was in the holding area when Quick was initially detained. Demond Lago, who had been accused of trespassing on school property, said Quick confirmed to him that he had attacked his unsuspecting fellow students, each of whom suffered knife wounds to the throat and head.

"We were sitting on the floor while a cop sat in a chair," said Demond Lago. "I asked him, did you do it? And he said yes. Then the cop told us to stop talking to each other."

When the officer looked away, Lago said, he asked Quick what he was trying to do.

"He said he was trying to go on a killing spree but the (expletive) blade broke," said Lago, who described Quick's demeanor as "troubled."

Authorities declined to specify the precise type of weapon used in the assaults, referring only to a "razor-type" knife. Witnesses described it as small, perhaps a pencil-like hobby knife or a box cutter. The Harris County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that a piece of blade broke off when one of the victims was wounded and that the handle was recovered in Quick's backpack.

Those who know Quick were as stunned by the news as those who witnessed what he allegedly did as he moved between two campus buildings, his gloved hands stuffed into his pockets until he decided to strike. Neighbors described him as a once-shy kid who remained a bit of a loner. They said he spent most of his time at home and rarely, if ever, had friends over.

Screams from hall

Born deaf, Quick received a cochlear implant as a child. He was a student in the Cy-Fair ISD until 2004 and was later home-schooled. Neighbors said he was polite and helpful, and that they saw little evidence of a troubled personality. However, Quick told investigators he has had fantasies of stabbing people to death since he was in elementary school. He also said he planned Tuesday's attacks for some time, according to the news release.

The entire incident was over within minutes. It had happened so quickly that most students were not even sure what was happening. Cassie Foe was in her physical anatomy class when she heard screams from the hallway. She thought it was just kids being loud.

"I went out to ask them to please be quiet and a girl was bleeding out through her neck, running down the stairs," said Foe, a 21-year-old nursing major. "I saw another girl sitting at the top of the stairs, and they had paper towels on her neck because she had gotten stabbed in the throat."

None of what Foe saw made sense until she witnessed an attack firsthand.

"I turned around the hallway to see if there was anyone else, and as I was looking around the corner, I saw a guy who was standing next to another male, and it looked like he bumped into him. Then he just collapsed to the floor. He definitely aimed for the throat - in the middle of the throat. It looked like the goal was exactly in the middle."

The scene was frighteningly similar to a Jan. 22 incident in which random contact between two students erupted into gunfire that left four people hurt. Both men were charged, one with aggravated assault, which began when one accidentally bumped the other. An argument quickly escalated.

Assisting victims

In Tuesday's assault, nursing student Jessica Moffett had gone to the bathroom during one of her classes when another student ran in, frantic, and said she needed help: Two people had just been stabbed in the neck.

Once outside, Moffett saw a man and a woman bleeding. The man seemed worse off, so she and another student applied pressure to the man's neck and told him to stay calm. Someone had given him their T-shirt so that they could apply pressure to control the bleeding. A teacher brought gauze and Moffett continued to help apply pressure to the wounds until paramedics arrived. They said he had lost a lot of blood.

"I just am praying for everyone involved and am hoping there will be no fatalities," she said. "At this point, I'm shocked anyone would do this to innocent students."

The first 911 call came in at 11:12 a.m. Dozens of patrol cars descended on the campus, along with ambulances and Life Flight helicopters. The campus was placed on lockdown briefly, then the campus was cleared. Remaining classes were canceled.